A Renewed Vision for Indian Agriculture in 2025

In a move to bolster the agricultural sector and secure long-term sustainability, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has outlined a comprehensive six-pronged strategy for the integrated growth of Indian agriculture. The roadmap reflects India’s evolving priorities—ensuring food security, enhancing farmer welfare, and building climate-resilient agricultural practices.

The framework was shared in a written reply by Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Ramnath Thakur, in the Rajya Sabha, highlighting both achievements and forward-looking initiatives for the sector.

The Gross Value Added (GVA) in the agriculture and allied sectors for 2024-25 has seen a healthy growth rate of 4.6% over 2023-24, according to the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation’s provisional estimates. This reflects renewed policy emphasis, increasing rural demand, and a more integrated national support system for the agri-sector.

The Six Strategic Pillars for Agricultural Growth

The Ministry’s integrated growth strategy rests on six foundational pillars, each addressing key aspects of the agrarian economy:

1. Increase Crop Production and Productivity

One of the most fundamental goals is to boost the yield per hectare across key crops. The Government is promoting the use of high-yielding seed varieties, micro-irrigation, precision farming, and digital agriculture technologies. Additionally, through support programs like the National Food Security Mission (NFSM) and Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY), the focus is to balance traditional practices with scientific interventions to maximise output while preserving soil health.

2. Reducing Cost of Cultivation

Farmers are often trapped in a cycle of rising input costs and diminishing margins. The Ministry’s strategy aims to cut down input costs through:

• Subsidised fertilisers, seeds and machinery

• Promotion of natural and organic farming methods

• Access to affordable credit via Kisan Credit Cards (KCC)

• Encouragement of solar-powered irrigation systems and on-farm energy solutions

Lower production costs are expected to significantly improve the net income for marginal and small landholders.

3. Ensuring Remunerative Prices to Enhance Farmer Incomes

India's farmer income growth is central to agricultural reforms. To ensure fair and profitable returns:

• The Minimum Support Price (MSP) mechanism is being strengthened and expanded.

• eNAM (National Agriculture Market) is helping create a transparent digital marketplace.

• Focus on direct-to-consumer (D2C) platforms and farmer-producer organisations (FPOs) are facilitating better price realisation.

• Export-oriented policies are also being designed to offer farmers global access and pricing.

By linking farmers directly to markets, the government aims to eliminate exploitative intermediaries and improve the value chain.

4. Agricultural Diversification

With climate patterns becoming increasingly erratic, dependence on traditional mono-cropping practices is risky. The Ministry is encouraging farmers to diversify into horticulture, animal husbandry, fisheries, pulses, oilseeds, and millets.

The International Year of Millets (2023), which placed Indian millets on the global stage, has now led to increasing acreage under nutri-cereals. Diversification not only increases resilience but also unlocks alternative revenue streams for rural households.

5. Post-Harvest Infrastructure and Value Addition

India loses a significant portion of its agri-produce due to lack of proper storage, processing, and logistics. The Ministry has committed to building a robust post-harvest ecosystem by:

• Investing in cold chains and storage infrastructure under schemes like PM Kisan Sampada Yojana

• Promoting agro-processing clusters and food parks

• Facilitating MSME linkages to create value-added agri-products for domestic and international markets

The idea is to move beyond being just a producer nation to becoming an agri-processing powerhouse, thereby enhancing export potential and creating jobs.

6. Climate Adaptation and Sustainability

Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges facing Indian agriculture. The Ministry’s strategy includes:

• Crop insurance coverage under Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)

• Promotion of climate-resilient crops and seed varieties

• Rainwater harvesting, watershed development, and soil health cards

• Training for farmers on resilient cropping patterns, agroforestry, and sustainable land use

By preparing Indian agriculture for unpredictable climate disruptions, the government is aiming to reduce crop losses and secure livelihoods.

Agriculture as a State Subject: Centre-State Synergy Is Key

India’s agricultural landscape is complex and diverse, governed by varying agro-climatic zones, local practices, and regional governance structures. As agriculture is a State subject, the role of State Governments is paramount in executing central policies.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare is focused on cooperative federalism, working with States to implement centrally sponsored schemes while giving them flexibility to customise for local needs. Schemes like Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) and Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) offer States support for region-specific programs.

Self-Sufficiency and Geopolitical Relevance

India’s large domestic agri-market is not just an economic asset—it carries geopolitical significance. The recent global disruptions in supply chains, food inflation, and commodity volatility have reaffirmed India’s policy stance of agricultural self-reliance.

The government recognises that food security is national security. Hence, domestic food sufficiency is being treated as a strategic imperative. Indian agricultural exports, now crossing $50 billion annually, are poised to play a crucial role in positioning India as a trusted supplier of quality food products globally.

Future Outlook: Export Competitiveness and Global Integration

The Ministry is also closely working with the Ministry of Commerce, APEDA, and various export councils to enhance India's agri-export competitiveness. This includes:

• Identifying niche agri-products with global demand

• Adopting international quality and phytosanitary standards

• Creating export corridors and special agri-zones

• Fostering public-private partnerships in food logistics and branding

Conclusion: An Integrated Path to Agricultural Prosperity

The integrated six-pillar strategy put forth by the Ministry represents a holistic blueprint for the future of Indian agriculture—one that acknowledges ground realities while aiming for ambitious goals.

With a steady GVA growth of 4.6% and ongoing reforms, Indian agriculture stands at the cusp of transformation. The government’s vision reflects not just an economic agenda but a social and strategic commitment to farmers, rural communities, and national food sovereignty.

As global uncertainties persist, India’s pursuit of a resilient, inclusive and technology-driven agricultural economy is both timely and necessary. For MSMEs, agri-tech startups, and the rural entrepreneurial ecosystem, this policy roadmap opens up a world of opportunity.